Silky Banana Cream Pie Recipe

Dreamy Banana Cream Pie Recipe: Silky Smooth Perfection

On a lazy summer afternoon, a classic banana cream pie wafts memories of grandma’s kitchen and sweet nostalgia.

This decadent dessert blends creamy custard with ripe bananas in a buttery, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.

Rich layers of silky filling promise pure indulgence with every forkful.

Homemade pies carry a special magic that store-bought treats can never match.

Soft banana slices nestled between smooth custard create a dessert that turns ordinary moments into delightful celebrations.

Each bite promises comfort and joy, inviting you to savor a slice of pure deliciousness.

Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible banana cream pie that will surely become a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 307 kcal

Servings: 9

Banana Cream Pie: What Goes In

For Pie Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the flaky crust, choose unbleached flour for better texture and flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste and helps control gluten development in the dough.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with browning of the crust.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates those coveted flaky layers, use cold butter straight from the refrigerator for best results.
  • Ice Water: Binds the dough together without developing too much gluten, keeping the crust tender.
For Filling Base Ingredients:
  • Half and Half: Provides rich, creamy texture to the filling, opt for high-quality dairy for better flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard and helps with thickening.
  • Cornstarch: The crucial thickening agent that gives the filling its silky smooth consistency.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding and thickening element, bringing richness to the custard.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Peanut Butter (Optional): Introduces a nutty, creamy dimension to the traditional banana cream filling.
For Topping and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas: The star of the pie, choose yellow bananas with a few brown spots for maximum sweetness.
  • Whipped Cream: Provides a light, airy topping that complements the rich filling.

Equipment for a Fluffy Cream Pie Finish

Equipment & Tools:
  • Food processor: Essential for mixing pie crust ingredients quickly and evenly.
  • Rolling pin: Perfect for rolling out pie crust to the right thickness.
  • 9-inch pie plate: Ideal size for creating the classic banana cream pie.
  • Wax paper: Helps roll out pastry without sticking.
  • Fork: Used for pricking pie crust before baking.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents crust from burning during blind baking.
  • Pie weights or dried beans: Keeps pie crust flat during initial baking.
  • Medium saucepan: Necessary for cooking the creamy pie filling.
  • Whisk: Crucial for mixing filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Fine mesh sieve: Optional tool for straining filling to remove lumps.
  • Wire rack: Helps pie crust cool evenly after baking.
  • Knife: For slicing bananas.

Making Banana Cream Pie in a Few Easy Steps

  • Pie Crust Foundation

Create a delicate base using flour, salt, and sugar blended smoothly in a food processor. The key is achieving a soft, crumbly texture that will melt in your mouth.

  • Butter Magic

Incorporate cold butter cubes into the mixture, pulsing until tiny pea-sized pieces form. This technique ensures a flaky, delectable crust that crumbles perfectly.

  • Dough Preparation

Gently add cold water, mixing until the dough holds together without being sticky. Shape into a smooth disc and let it rest in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop and the gluten to relax.

  • Crust Shaping

Roll out the pastry on wax paper, creating a shape slightly larger than your pie plate. Carefully transfer the dough, folding and pinching edges to create a beautiful, rustic border.

  • Initial Baking

Preheat the oven and blind bake the crust using pie weights. This crucial step ensures a crisp, golden foundation that won’t become soggy when filled.

  • Filling Creation

Whisk together half and half, sugar, cornstarch, and eggs in a saucepan. Cook slowly and steadily, stirring constantly to develop a luxurious, smooth custard that’s free from lumps.

  • Final Assembly

Layer sliced bananas into the cooled crust, then pour the silky custard over them. Chill thoroughly to allow the pie to set completely, creating a dreamy dessert that’s both creamy and refreshing.

  • Serving Delight

Top with fluffy whipped cream just before serving. Each slice promises a perfect balance of creamy custard, fresh bananas, and a crisp, buttery crust that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Topping Variations to Try

  • Freeze butter cubes before mixing to ensure a flakier, more tender pie crust that melts in your mouth.
  • Caramelize sliced bananas with a sprinkle of brown sugar before adding to the filling for a deeper, richer flavor profile.
  • Experiment with alternative nut butters like almond or cashew instead of peanut butter to create unique taste combinations.
  • Layer chocolate shavings between bananas and filling or sprinkle toasted coconut on top for added crunch and complexity.
  • Prepare the pie crust and filling separately up to two days in advance to simplify last-minute dessert preparation.

Serve That Slice with a Side of Wow

  • Serve Up Delightful Banana Cream Pie Moments
  • Brunch Showstopper: Impress weekend guests by serving this creamy pie as a luxurious centerpiece after a delicious morning meal. Its golden crust and silky filling will steal the spotlight.
  • Dessert Party Pleaser: Slice the pie into neat wedges for casual gatherings. The combination of sweet bananas and rich cream makes it a crowd-favorite that disappears quickly.
  • Summer Cooling Companion: Chill the pie thoroughly before serving, making it a perfect refreshing dessert for hot afternoons. Pair with a cold glass of iced tea for ultimate comfort.
  • Elegant Dinner Finale: Garnish each slice with extra banana slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elevated presentation at sophisticated dinner parties. The delicate whipped cream topping adds a touch of sophistication.

Store This Cream Pie Without Losing Texture

  • Store Freshly Crafted Slices: Wrap individual banana cream pie slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption in the refrigerator.
  • Refrigerate Carefully: Keep the entire pie covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The creamy filling stays best when chilled between 35-40°F.
  • Freeze with Caution: While possible to freeze, the pie's texture might change. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing for maximum 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Serve Chilled and Fresh: For optimal taste and texture, consume the banana cream pie within 2-3 days of preparation. The bananas will start to brown and lose their crisp texture over time, impacting the pie's overall quality.
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Silky Banana Cream Pie Recipe

Silky Banana Cream Pie Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Grandma’s classic banana cream pie delights dessert enthusiasts with creamy layers of sweet bananas and silky custard. Crisp graham cracker crust and fluffy whipped cream complete this nostalgic American dessert you’ll savor with pure comfort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bananas, sliced
  • 3 whole eggs (or substitute 6 yolks)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) half and half (or substitute whole milk)
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (113 g) cold butter, cut into cubes
  • 3 tbsps corn starch
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsps smooth peanut butter (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Sweetened whipped cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Pastry Preparation: Pulse flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor. Add chilled butter cubes and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually introduce cold water, pulsing until dough forms a cohesive disc.
  2. Dough Chilling: Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to ensure optimal texture.
  3. Crust Formation: Preheat oven to 425°F. Roll out pastry on wax paper, draping over a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp edges, then pierce bottom and sides with a fork.
  4. Blind Baking: Line crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and bake for 10 minutes until edges turn golden. Remove weights and continue baking 8-10 minutes until bottom is beautifully bronzed.
  5. Custard Creation: In a saucepan, whisk half and half, sugar, cornstarch, and eggs until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, until mixture thickens dramatically (12-15 minutes).
  6. Filling Finesse: Remove custard from heat, strain if desired, and fold in peanut butter and vanilla extract. Gently incorporate sliced bananas.
  7. Pie Assembly: Pour filling into cooled crust, ensuring even distribution of bananas.
  8. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate pie for minimum 4 hours or overnight. Top with freshly whipped cream just before serving.

Notes

  • Chill Dough Thoroughly: Cold butter and minimal handling create a flaky, tender pie crust that melts in your mouth.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Blind baking helps create a crisp base that won’t turn mushy when adding creamy filling.
  • Constant Stirring Matters: Continuous whisking prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, silky custard texture.
  • Banana Placement Tip: Fold bananas gently to maintain their shape and prevent browning before adding to the filling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 307
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 122 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 93 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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